In a speech at a Veterans of Foreign Wars post in his native Delaware County, Sestak cast the decision between himself and Specter as a chance for more change.

"In this next election, we Pennsylvanians will vote for a change in accountability to continue that new direction," Sestak told a packed house Tuesday morning.

Sestak blamed Washington for the nation's economic troubles, arguing that those in power missed an opportunity to solve the crisis.

"At best, some people were asleep at the switch. Those people who you sent to Washington to represent you, to look out for you, failed to do so and they must be held accountable."

Sestak said he is running to take advantage of the opportunity "to reclaim those core principles, particularly in Washington, D.C., [of] hard work, of honesty and accountability, until once again, principle triumphs over politics."

Following the morning appearance in Folsom, in Sestak's congressional district, he will hold media availabilities in Pittsburgh, Johnstown, Harrisburg and Scranton on Tuesday and Wednesday. Late Wednesday, Sestak will appear on Comedy Central’s “The Colbert Report.”

CONTINUED (http://thehill.com/leading-the-news/rep.-sestak-launches-bid-against-sen.-specter-2009-08-04.html)